Project Details
Project
New World Development Sustainable Finance Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
New World Development
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
-
Use of Proceeds
-
Location
Hong Kong
Evaluation Date
Nov 2020
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the New World Development (“NWD”) Sustainable Finance Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles 2018 and Social Bond Principles 2020. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – (i) Green Buildings and Landscapes, (ii) Energy Efficiency, (iii) Renewable Energy, (iv) Water Management, (v) Circular Economy and Waste Management, (vi) Climate Change Adaptation, (vii) Access to Basic Infrastructure and Essential Services, (viii) Affordable Housing, and (ix) Socio-economic Advancement and Employment Generation – are aligned with those recognized by both the Green Bond Principles 2018 and Social Bond Principles 2020. Sustainalytics considers that the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental or social impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs 3,4,6,7,8,11,12,13,14 and 15.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
NWD will establish a Sustainable Finance Review Panel consisting of representatives from NWD’s Finance & Accounts, Group Audit and Management Services, Project Management, and Sustainability departments for its project evaluation and selection process. The final approval for project eligibility will be provided by NWD’s CEO and the Chairperson of the Group Sustainability Steering Committee. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
NWD’s Finance and Accounting departments will establish a register where it will record details of funding transactions under this Framework. This register will contain information for each funding transaction as well as information on the allocation of proceeds. Unallocated proceeds will be held as deposits, such as cash and cash equivalents, in banks in accordance with NWD’s treasury or liquidity management policy. Sustainalytics encourages NWD to disclose the period over which the Company intends to allocate the proceeds raised.
REPORTING
NWD intends to report on allocation of proceeds on its website on an annual basis or in case of any material changes, until full allocation. In addition, NWD is committed to reporting on relevant environmental and social impact metrics. Sustainalytics views NWD’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.